Question. Do you know any explanation (beside tradition) why conifers are always presented in an unglazed pot with earth toned colours, and deciduous / flowering / fruiting trees in glazed and coloured pots?

Maybe there is a more feminine and finer approach to glazed pots, which in Japan (as far as my knowledge reaches) is attached to deciduous and flowering trees. A masculine feeling is connected with the stronger specimens presented by the conifers withstanding the harsh environment of the mountains. Is that explanation valid and sufficient though?

You know for what it is worth I have always been of the understanding that glazed pots were 'generally' used for Bonsai that would be displayed within the home ... 'indoor Bonsai.' Oh how I loathe that term:-)

Bonsai displayed outside permanently would be potted in unglazed containers.

I'm probably completely wrong in terms of correctness, but it works for me.

Maybe there is a more feminine and finer approach to glazed pots, which in Japan (as far as my knowledge reaches) is attached to deciduous and flowering trees. A masculine feeling is connected with the stronger specimens presented by the conifers withstanding the harsh environment of the mountains. Is that explanation valid and sufficient though?

I don't think so. It is question of taste, and what one consider as harmony.

Like many of the rules, it is not as hard & fast as it used to be. The deciding factor should be if the pot & tree look good together.Nowadays, you sometimes find dwarf conifers, like 'Zuisho,' that are a little more on the feminine side & look fine in a dark glazed pot. I believe I have seen pictures of old rugged tamarisks and flowering apricots potted in unglazed pots. Where do you fit Casuarina?Iris

The questioner knows about rules, tradition, and taste, I think we all do, question remains ... Head scratcher ,eh?

My opinion... all bonsai look great in earthtone pots. I think colors may have partly come about through marketing. Fancy shiny colored pots always sell better to the general public. Especially blue pottery in general and so follow bonsai in colored pots . So give them what they want. Thats a why.

I actually love to make, hold, buy, collect, fancy lil pots but most end up on display, not in service. Why ? cuz I likes them